Computing device accessory

ABSTRACT

An accessory for a computing device. In one aspect, the accessory has a body including a support portion and a computing device receiving portion. The receiving portion is shaped to maintain a received computing device at an angle relative to an axis of the body of the accessory.

TECHNICAL FIELD

A The present invention relates to a computing device accessory and in particular to an accessory arranged to locate and hold a display device.

The invention will be described hereinafter with reference to tablet computers, including smartphones. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use and may be used to locate and hold any type of display.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, computing manufacturers have radically altered the manner in which users interact with a computing device. Many devices now include “touch screens” which allow a user to manipulate a computing device by utilising certain gestures. Other devices include a separate “multi-touch” surface, and in still others the user merely needs to gesture within the vicinity of the device. Crucially, these types of systems change the relationship between a user's hands and the computing device. Users need to be able to angle the screen appropriately. They need sufficient room for their hands to operate on various parts of the screen or to rest in proximity to it. They also need to be able to see the screen when their hands are operating on it.

Tablet computers that include touch screens are evolving rapidly. The appeal of tablets includes their highly portable nature and their simple form factor. The user experiences more intuitive control of a surface that they can hold intimately in their hands. They can bring the screen closer to their face like a book, or pass it around like a picture.

As tablets become evermore capable, users must juggle both the “consuming” aspects the “productivity” aspects of their devices. Examples of such juggling include: Pausing a movie to respond to a chat message; exiting the browser to enter a video call; pausing a podcast to email a link; typing a note while reading an ebook.

At each of these moments the user's physical relationship to the tablet is significantly altered. The hands may need to operate differently and the screen may need to be repositioned, such as changing its angle or moving it closer to or further away from the face.

Holding the tablet for long periods of time can be tiring for the user's hands and wrists. Gesturing on the screen with one hand while having to hold the device with the other can be cumbersome. These and other difficulties are exacerbated by the fact that tablets are often used when a user is reclining on the sofa, in front of the TV, travelling on an airplane, on a train, in a car and so forth.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides an accessory for a computing device, comprising a body including a support portion and a computing device receiving portion, wherein the receiving portion is shaped to maintain a received computing device at an angle relative to an axis of the body of the accessory.

In one embodiment, the support portion is arranged to support the received computing device.

In one embodiment, the support portion is arranged to support the accessory against a portion of a user's body.

In one embodiment, either one of the support portion or the receiving portion further includes a protuberance.

In one embodiment, the protuberance is moveable relative to the receiving portion.

In one embodiment, at least one of the edges of the receiving portion forms the support portion.

In one embodiment, the support portion is arranged to one of locate or orient user's hands relative to the received computing device.

In one embodiment, the receiving portion is spaced apart from a base of the accessory.

In one embodiment, the support portion is arranged to facilitate the maintenance of a substantially predetermined separation between the lower margin of the supported computing device and a user's torso.

In one embodiment, the receiving portion is arranged to facilitate the maintenance of a substantially predetermined separation between the received computing device and the eyes of a user.

In one embodiment, the computing device receiving portion includes an edge formed in the body of the accessory.

In one embodiment, a plurality of edges are provided, each edge being arranged to maintain the received computing device at a predetermined angle relative to an axis of the body of the accessory.

In one embodiment, at least a subset of the plurality of edges are each located at a different distance from the base of the accessory.

In one embodiment, the device is sized to locate between the legs of a user, to thereby allow the angle of the display of the device to be rotated, including tilted, relative to the eyes of a user.

In one embodiment, the accessory further includes a base portion, wherein the receiving portion is arranged to maintain the received computing device at a predetermined angle relative to the base.

In one embodiment, the edge is a groove in the body of the accessory.

In one embodiment, the edge extends to side margins of the accessory, such that the received computing device is movable beyond the side margins of the accessory.

In one embodiment, the received computing device is maintained in the accessory at least partially by a magnetic holder.

In one embodiment, the accessory and the received computing device, when located in the receiving portion, may be held as one unit utilising only one hand.

In one embodiment, the accessory is sized to be locatable on a user's lap.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the sides of the accessory are one of chamfered, curved and angled such that at least a portion of the base is narrower than the widest portion of the accessory.

In one embodiment, the accessory has a volumetric weight that is approximately equal to or less than 500 grams.

In one embodiment, the accessory includes at least two receiving portions, each receiving portion providing the user with at least one usage configuration, wherein each usage configuration locates the computing device at a different relative distance from the user's face.

In one embodiment, each one of the at least two usage configurations is accessible to the user by varying the orientation of the accessory relative to the user.

In one embodiment, at least one receiving portion provides a steep angle suitable for supporting a received computing device in a substantially vertical position.

In one embodiment, the support portion is arranged to support the wrists and hands of a user.

In one embodiment, the accessory is shaped to allow the user to locate one or more hands on the accessory behind the received computing device.

In one embodiment, a surface of the accessory includes a friction layer.

In one embodiment, the base includes a suitable surface for locating a computing device such that the computing device is angled toward the face of the user.

In one embodiment, the accessory has a generally polygonal farm such that each one of the different faces of the polygon provides a different surface.

In one embodiment, the accessory further comprises a ridge formed at a location on the body of the accessory, wherein the ridge is located in a manner that provides additional support for a computing device when the computing device is located in the support portion.

In one embodiment, the ridge is a peak along a curved face, different tangents of which provide additional support.

In one embodiment, the accessory further includes a storage portion disposed in the body of the accessory.

In one embodiment, the storage portion includes at least one opening arranged to allow objects to pass through the opening.

In one embodiment, the storage portion is formed as a slot in the body of the accessory.

In one embodiment, a cavity within the body of the accessory provides comfort, grip or access to at least a finger or a thumb of the user.

In one embodiment, attachment points are provided at the surface of the accessory for the purpose of attaching the accessory to another object.

In one embodiment, the accessory has one or more pockets.

In one embodiment, the accessory has a portion arranged to engage at least a portion of a perimeter of the received computing device such that the display of the received computing device can be angled.

In one embodiment, the accessory further includes a hooking arrangement arranged to retain the viewed computing device when the accessory is tilted.

In one embodiment, the accessory has grooves arranged to receive the sides of the tablet computing device.

In one embodiment, the accessory further comprises a mechanism arranged to provide additional support for a computing device when the computing device is located in the support portion.

In one embodiment, the accessory further comprises a moveable component arranged to vary the angle of the computing device relative to the body of the accessory.

In one embodiment, the accessory includes an aesthetic device.

In one embodiment, the accessory further includes a connecting device arranged to allow the accessory to be associated with another object.

In one embodiment, the other object is one of a folder, a sling, a bag, a carry case, a briefcase, a backpack and a suitcase.

In one embodiment, the accessory further includes a handle.

In one embodiment, the body includes two sections.

In one embodiment, the two sections are separable.

In one embodiment, the two sections are hinged.

In one embodiment, the accessory is movable between a closed condition and an open condition, wherein, when the accessory is in the closed condition, the overall dimension of the accessory is less than the overall dimension of the accessory when the accessory is in the open condition.

In one embodiment, at least a part of the accessory is inflatable.

In one embodiment, at least a part of the accessory is compressible.

In one embodiment, the accessory is arranged to receive a tablet computing device, an e reader, or other display surface.

In one embodiment, the receiving portion includes a non slip surface arranged to assist in maintaining the received computing device at the relative angle.

In one embodiment, the body further comprises a locating portion arranged to allow the accessory to be located on a surface.

In one embodiment, the locating portion is composed of a material arranged to partly or wholly conform to the shape of the substantially horizontal surface.

In one embodiment, the locating portion includes a sloped portion arranged to allow the accessing to be located on an uneven surface.

In one embodiment, the sloped portion has a substantially concave profile.

In one embodiment, the edge is formed by the provision in the body of the accessory of at least one of an angled surface, a hard edge, a snug groove, a lip, a flap, a leave, a hook, a high friction material, an array of protrusions, dimples, a shoe, a sleeve, a grip, a spigot, a clamp, a ridge, a tray, a perimeter, a mechanical catch, a magnetic catch, a gel material, a bead sack, and a malleable material.

In one embodiment, the computing device receiving portion includes at least one of a surround mechanism, clip mechanism, a snap in mechanism, a hinged mechanism, a clamp mechanism, a sliding mechanism, a rotating mechanism, an angling mechanism a docking mechanism and a male/female mechanism.

In one embodiment, the body of the accessory further includes at least one of the following modules: a supply device arranged to supply electrical power, a battery or spare battery, photovoltaic cells, flash memory, other memory, a sound system, a speaker, external cable connectivity, an electronic interface, a wireless router, cloud sync apparatus, a modem, a WiFi module, a radio frequency module, a Bluetooth module, other network or telecommunications equipment, a dock, a hub, a card reader, a credit card reader, a projector, a dongle, an adaptor, a keyboard, haptic enhancement, programmable friction, a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, additional computing power, an integrated circuit, electronic components, mechanical components, a clock, a light, a household telephone, a mobile (cell) telephone, a TV controller, a games controller, a qwerty keyboard, a non qwerty keyboard, a household switching controller and a cooling vent.

In one embodiment, the at least one included module is integral to a system including the computing device.

In one embodiment, the accessory further includes at least one speaker disposed in the body of the accessory.

In one embodiment, the body of the accessory further includes a keyboard arranged to interface with computing device.

In one embodiment, the accessory includes a haptic enhancement feature.

In one embodiment, the body of the accessory includes a device for projecting a virtual control system for interaction by a user.

In one embodiment, the accessory houses a computing system.

In one embodiment, the accessory further includes a storage portion disposed in the body of the accessory, to allow a computing device or other peripheral devices to be stored in the accessory.

In one embodiment, the storage portion is formed as a slot in the body of the accessory.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the accessory includes a cushioned material.

In one embodiment, the cushioned material is at least one of a solid foam (open or closed cell), natural rubber, latex, synthetic rubber, silicon, santoprene, neoprene, a bead filled sack, or a gel substance.

In one embodiment, at least the outer portion of the body of the accessory is made of a cushioning material.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the surface of the accessory is covered by a textile, a non-woven material, or a flock material.

In one embodiment, the accessory is extruded.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the accessory is made from at least one of polyurethane, polyethylene, polyethylene co vinyl acetate, polystyrene, nylon, rubber, synthetic rubber, felt, gel, aluminium, alloy, timber, cork, leather, cardboard, silicon, neoprene, santoprene, carbon fibre, fibreglass, resin, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PC/ABS (Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), acrylic, other plastic, stone, sea matter, bone, animal matter, natural fibres.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing an accessory in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, comprising the step of moulding the accessory from a solid foam.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing an accessory in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, comprising the steps of moulding a first portion of the accessory from a plastics material, and over moulding an elastomeric second portion over at least a section of the first portion.

In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing an accessory in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, comprising the steps of extruding a solid foam, and cutting the extruded foam to an appropriate length.

In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing an accessory in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, comprising the steps of shaping a unitary section of material utilising a contour cutting machine.

In one embodiment of any one of the second to firth aspects, there is provided the further step of attaching a secondary material to at least a portion of the accessory.

In one embodiment of any one of the second to firth aspects, there is provided the further step of applying a coating to the outer surface of the accessory.

In one embodiment, there is provided the further step of applying flock, such as Nylon flock, to the outer surface of the accessory.

In one embodiment, there is provided the further step of applying a woven or non woven textile cover to the outer surface of the accessory.

In a further aspect, there is provided an accessory in accordance with the first aspect, wherein the accessory performs the additional function of at least one of a tissue box, a bedside lamp, a clock, a drink mat, a foldable item, a promotional novelty item.

In a further aspect, there is provided an accessory in accordance with the first aspect, wherein the accessory serves as a tissue box, lamp or other item for a bedside table, coffee table or side table.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other embodiments that may fall within the scope of the present invention, an embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 a shows a perspective view of a “SkyStand™” embodiment of the accessory with the cap removed to reveal charger, cable and headphones stored within.

FIG. 1 b shows the accessory locating and holding a tablet computer in a “front” receiving portion.

FIGS. 1 c to 1 j show the accessory in use.

FIG. 1 k shows an electronically enhanced embodiment of the accessory.

FIG. 1 l shows a mini desk stand embodiment of the accessory.

FIG. 1 m shows the accessory locating and holding a tablet computer in a “back” receiving portion.

FIG. 1 n shows a longer, wider “LapStand™” embodiment of the accessory designed for greater stability in the lap. An extruded or moulded shell form is shown.

FIG. 2 a shows a side view of medium sized embodiment of the accessory.

FIG. 2 b shows the accessory locating and holding a tablet computer in its landscape orientation. FIG. 2 c illustrates the accessory locating and holding a tablet computer in its portrait orientation.

FIG. 2 d illustrates tilting of the accessory as though against the angled thighs of a user.

FIG. 3 a shows the accessory locating and holding a tablet computer in an alternate position that may offer a relatively steeper viewing angle.

FIG. 3 b illustrates how the accessory may be tilted so that the “front” of the accessory rests on a user's belly or chest, angling the tablet toward the user's face whilst maintaining separation from the torso.

FIG. 4 a illustrates the accessory locating and holding a tablet computer in an alternate “back” position.

FIG. 4 b illustrates how the accessory may be tilted so that the “back” portion spaces a tablet closer to a user's face whilst maintaining separation from the torso.

FIG. 5 a illustrates how the accessory may be shaped to be stable in a user's lap, on a single thigh, or on the belly or chest.

FIG. 5 b illustrates how the accessory may contain various items.

FIG. 6 a illustrates how the accessory may be inverted or rotated, so that a tablet may also be located on its “base” and angled it toward the face of a user.

FIG. 6 b illustrates how the accessory may be able to locate and hold both a smartphone and a larger tablet.

FIG. 7 a illustrates how a smartphone may be located and held, including closer to the face of a user.

FIG. 7 b illustrates how a tablet or smartphone may be located and held such that the screen angles beyond 90 degrees, toward the face of a user who may be lying on their back.

FIGS. 7 c, 7 d illustrate an accessory shown from various perspectives, variations of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b.

FIG. 7 e shows a smartphone embodiment of the accessory.

FIG. 7 f shows this embodiment in use on the torso of a user.

FIG. 8 a illustrates a larger embodiment, showing how various similar profiles of the accessory may be embodied in different sizes, and may have additional positions for receiving the tablet.

FIG. 8 b illustrates how a wide variety of modules may be included in or on the accessory.

FIG. 9 shows perspective views in accordance with another embodiment of the invention illustrating how the accessory may be embodied as a piece of luggage.

FIGS. 10 a to 18 d illustrate certain of the ergonomic principles of the invention, showing the accessory in use on or near a user's body.

FIGS. 19 a to 19 c are perspective views in accordance with an embodiment of the invention showing a slimline arrangement.

FIGS. 20 a to 20 c are perspective views in accordance with an embodiment of the invention showing an alternate slimline arrangement.

FIG. 21 a shows two perspective views of an accessory in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, showing the accessory in a collapsed and an expanded state.

FIG. 21 b is a perspective view in accordance with an embodiment of the invention showing an alternate case arrangement.

FIG. 22 a is a perspective view in accordance with an embodiment of the invention showing a style of embodiment that may be used to house a larger sound system or projector.

FIG. 22 b is a perspective view in accordance with an embodiment of the invention showing a décor textile finish.

FIG. 23 a is a perspective side view in accordance with an embodiment of the invention showing a style of embodiment that may be used to house a larger sound system or a projector.

FIG. 23 b is a perspective view in accordance with an embodiment of the invention showing a rear speaker vent or cooling vent.

FIG. 24 a is a perspective side view in accordance with an embodiment of the invention showing a fold out mechanism for increasing the viewing angle, and a concealed storage portion.

FIG. 24 b is a perspective side view in accordance with an embodiment of the invention showing a wedge shaped embodiment with an angle-increasing component on a fabric hinge.

FIG. 25 a is a perspective view in accordance with an embodiment of the invention showing a grooved mat embodiment, and a close up of the same illustrating an edge arrangement.

FIG. 25 b is a perspective view in accordance with an embodiment of the invention illustrating a folding legs embodiment.

FIGS. 26 a to 26 f are perspective views in accordance with various embodiments of the invention illustrating sample variations of form.

FIGS. 27 a to 27 c are perspective views in accordance with various embodiments of the invention illustrating sample variations of form.

FIGS. 28 a to 28 e are perspective views in accordance with various embodiments of the invention illustrating larger volume embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The foregoing describes only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a computing device accessory. In a broad aspect, the embodiment comprises a body including a raised portion with a support surface and a computing device receiving portion. Together the raised portion and the receiving portion are shaped to maintain a received computing device at an angle relative to an axis of the body of the accessory.

The support surface of the raised portion may also include a moveable component by means of which the viewing angle of the received computing device may be altered by the user. The raised portion itself may be a moveable component.

There may also be a spacer portion, maintaining a predetermined separation between a lower margin of the received computing device and a user's torso, or between a lower margin of the received computing device and a desk or surface.

In some embodiments the spacer portion may provide the users wrists or hands with a space in which to rest between selecting, gesturing, typing or otherwise operating on the screen. In other embodiments the spacer portion may be of sufficient dimension and/or volume to provide a supportive surface for the user's hands and wrists. Hence in one embodiment the invention may be referred to as a “Tablet Positioning and Wrist Support Surface”.

In the market place various embodiments of the invention may be known as “Tabi™”, which may also be spelled as “Ta3i™”, TABBY™, “TA33Y™”, or similar. Branding may include terms like “Tabi SkyStand™”, Tabi LapStand™”, etc. Henceforth in this document the invention will be referred to simply as “the accessory”. Note that this wording is not to be read as excluding those embodiments in which the accessory may be an integral aspect of a computing device, may be integrated with a computing device or may otherwise form a component of a computing system. Some embodiments of the invention, as described herein, are intended to be of an integrated nature, forming direct companion products to various tablet computers.

Embodiments may be of different sizes to receive different sizes of computing device or to suit the preferences of different user's. For example the embodiments may be narrow, thin, compact or wide. In each case the profile shape of the various sizes may be substantially similar. Very small embodiments may borrow design elements from larger embodiments, serving a subset of the possible use cases of the larger embodiments.

In some embodiments the accessory is sized to be locatable in the hollow of a user's lap. The width of the accessory may be arranged to allow the user's fingers to wrap around the side margins of the received computing device relatively unobstructed, for example when “thumb-typing” on a split keyboard, where a portion of the QWERTY keys are aligned with the left side of the screen and a portion are aligned with the right.

In certain embodiments the accessory may have an interior volume used to carry peripherals for the device or to carry the device itself, or to house or enclose any other accessory, item, device, component or object, whether electronic, mechanical or other.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

In the description, like numerals are utilised in reference to the figures to refer to like parts and features. In FIG. 1 a, a nominal “Front” and “Back” of the accessory are labelled to aid in description. Note also that tablet device 106 and smartphone 106 b are shown in the figures for the sake of illustration only. The accessory may be suitable for other types of display device including monitors, e-readers, smartphones, slates and other types of display. The computing technology, electronics, battery power or other power supply may reside in the display device, in the accessory, or elsewhere.

BROAD DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCESSORY

Referring to FIGS. 1 a to 28 e, the embodiments described herein are of an accessory 100 that functions to position a tablet 106 at an angle. The accessory 100 has one or more receiving portions 104, a raised portion 108 and a support surface 103. The support surface 103 may be continuous with the receiving portion 104 or it may be distinct from it. The support surface may support the tablet 106, and in certain embodiments it may also offer support to the user's hands or wrists, including a place to cup the hands or fingers. The tablet leans against the support surface 103, or in certain embodiments it may lean against an angle-increasing component 109 that comes between the tablet and the support surface 108. In this sense the angle-increasing component 109 may be considered an aspect of the raised portion 108 or of the support surface 103. The component is referred to as “angle-increasing” because it sits out from the surface 103, but clearly it may also decrease the angle of the tablet computer, depending on the embodiment and the use case.

By means of the receiving portion 104, the raised portion 108, and the support surface 103, a user choice of at least two tablet angles is available. This is achieved due to the availability of an angle increasing component 109, or; due to the receiving portion 104 having more than one restraining edges or grooves, or; due to there being more than one receiving portion 104, or; due to a combination of any of the above.

The angle-increasing component 109 may vary the angle of the tablet by its relative position on the support surface 103. It may attach to the raised portion 108. It may slide on or in relation to the support surface 103 (FIGS. 1 a, 1 l). It may vary the tablet angle in either an analogue fashion (providing a range of angles as in FIGS. 1 a and 1 l)) or in a step-by-step fashion (providing several specific positions, with or without interim positions).

The angle-increasing component 109 may assist in angling the screen more precisely when the accessory is situated on a desk or other surface. Alternatively, the angle-increasing component may be a “set and forget” system for personalising one or more preferred angles. The user may be able to reach their hands behind the tablet and reposition the angle-increasing component without removing the tablet from the receiving portion, or they may have to remove either the tablet or the component.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 a, 1 l and 24 b, the further the angle increasing component is positioned down the slope of the support surface 108, the greater the angle of the tablet computer, as the tablet arcs forward against the restraining edge of 104. This is also a very effective solution for permitting variable viewing angles on a very small embodiment, such as in FIG. 1 l. Note that in these various embodiments, there may or may not be a back receiving portion 104 b. When 104 b is present, the angle increasing component may be employed at the back as well as the front, or; a secondary angle increasing component may be employed, or; there may be no angle increasing component at the rear, due to a substantially vertical angle already being present, e.g. a fixed “video-chat angle”.

In various embodiments the support surface 108/109 of the raised portion may be sloped, curved, polygonal, or otherwise shaped. It may culminate in a ridge or peak such that there are two or more instances of the support surface (108, 108 b) leading up to the ridge or peak.

Carrying or Pairing Aid 121

The accessory 100 may have a “Carrying” or “Pairing” Aid 121 which makes it easier for the user to pick up both the tablet 106 and the accessory 100 at the same time, such as when moving the tablet and the accessory from one desk to another desk. In certain embodiments 121 may be a “finger hole”. FIG. 1 d shows how one or more small fingers may insert into the accessory while the thumb and larger fingers may hold the tablet. This feature dramatically enhances the user experience of the accessory as it becomes very convenient to move both items in one action, and yet the tablet may remain un-enmeshed with the accessory and easily picked up from it as in FIG. 11 b. The aid 121 may be the same feature as a handle 118 or an entrance 120, or it may be a distinct feature. In certain embodiments the finger(s) and the thumb may press toward each other in a pincer action, with the finger(s) inside a hole or surface of the accessory, and the thumb pressing against the tablet (E.g. FIGS. 2 a and 2 b). The accessory may be moved together with the tablet as a single functional unit. Similarly the accessory may be magnetised to the tablet, the accessory and the tablet may clip together, or they may be otherwise be attachable to each other, for the purpose of creating a functional pairing of the accessory and the tablet.

Spacer Portion 102

A spacer portion 102 may be arranged to maintain a predetermined separation between a lower margin of the supported computing device 106 and the user's torso (Herein the torso includes the crotch). Alternatively, it may be arranged to maintain a predetermined separation between a lower margin of the supported computing device and a desk or surface. In either case a space is maintained in which the user's hands may select, gesture, type, draw, glide across the screen, or otherwise operate or relax.

The spacer portion may be understood as an axis (102, 102 b, 102 c, 102 d), as an area, or as a volume, depending on the embodiment and the use case. Therefore the terms spacer axis, spacer area, spacer portion, and spacer volume are used, in the ensuing description, to denote a similar functional feature.

The spacer portion may help the user to position their fingers more comfortably on a touch screen QWERTY keyboard, by opening a space for the ball of the hands to sit below the lower margin of the tablet (see FIGS. 1 e and 1 f). On a desktop, this makes it possible for the viewing angle of the tablet to be steeper and yet still to be able to type comfortably on a touch screen keyboard (see FIG. 1 c). The combination of the spacer portion and steeper angle opens up a new ergonomic solution for touch-typing on the viewing screen of a tablet, where the eyes are more comfortable with the viewing angle, and yet the fingers may operate on the screen with acceptable degrees of flexion at the wrist, for comfort and health.

In various embodiments, the spacer portion 102 may be narrow (FIG. 1 i) or it may be wide (FIG. 9, FIG. 12 a). It may be extensible from a narrow to a wide condition. Where narrow, the spacer portion may elevate the lower lateral margins of the tablet above a surface such as an in-flight table, allowing items such as a food tray or a passport to nestle underneath these margins (FIG. 1 j). Similarly, when used on an office desk or a table, the support portion may elevate the lower margin of the computing device above the desk such that the device has a smaller footprint on the desk or table and the space under the lower corners of the received computing device becomes available to the hands or to other desktop items. The user's hands may be able to cup around the lower corners or margins of the tablet.

When the accessory is used on the bed or the floor beside a user who is lying down (FIG. 15 b), the user may be able to position or rest their hand relatively under the lower corners of the tablet. A spacing axis may also serve to elevate the tablet closer to the user's face.

In certain embodiments, such as carry cases (FIG. 9) or drawing supports (FIG. 11 a) the spacer portion may be wide. In such embodiments the spacer portion 102 may also serve as a resting-support for the hands (FIG. 12 a). Certain narrow embodiments may also offer support for fingers, thumb hand or wrist (FIG. 17 b).

The Spacer Portion and the User's Body

A spacer portion may help the user to stabilize the accessory on their body. As described, there may be several spacer portions or axes and collectively these axes may form a “spacer volume” which may be sized so that it can nestle into the user's lap (FIG. 10 a), nestle between the thighs (FIG. 1 f) perch on one thigh (FIG. 1 h), or be held by the body such as between the knees (FIG. 1 i). This volume may be used to contain electronics, peripherals, items or accessories.

A spacer portion may space the received computing device above the stomach or chest, when the user is lying back, improving the viewing angle to the screen (FIGS. 13 b, 14 a).

A spacer volume may space the lower margin of the tablet in more than one axis (see FIG. 2 b). When used in the lap of the user, one or more spacer axes may prevent the received computing device from sliding or resting too close to the user's torso or crotch (FIGS. 1 e, 1 f, 14 a). This spacing function may be particularly useful for users who like to angle the screen towards their face with their knees. Without the accessory the tablet will slide down the thighs, so that the user has to hold the edge of the tablet up with the bottom of their palms, in an awkward typing juggle.

In the case of a user lying on their back with their knees up, the spacer portion 102 may support the tablet at a distance above the waist and forward of the knees, for an improved viewing angle (FIG. 14 a). An undercut region 105 (FIG. 8 b) may assist in this configuration and may distribute the load of the narrow lower edge of the tablet across a wider area, minimising discomfort by removing direct body contact with the tablet's narrow edge. Similarly the user may rest the accessory on their stomach or chest when reclining or lying flat on their back.

Embodiments with a suitably shaped spacer volume may not require an angle increasing component, as the volume may be sized to be easily tilted in the lap or otherwise pivoted on the body, thereby tilting the tablet also, hence changing the viewing angle (See FIGS. 2 b and 3 b).

An angle-increasing component may nonetheless be included, so that the accessory is equally suitable on the body and on a flat surface such as a desk.

FIG. 1 k illustrates how the spacer volume may be used in a compact embodiment designed as a multifunctional companion to a tablet computer, with features that may also be helpful for a companion laptop computer or SmartPhone, such as an internal hard drive, or flash memory. This embodiment may be sized to be locatable between the knees, or in the lap. As with other embodiments, there may be one or more caps, lids, doors, drawers or other open or closed compartments to the accessory.

A spacer axis 102 d may be arranged specifically to provide the user with a way of supporting the received computing device closer to their face, or to assist in angling the screen toward their face (FIG. 12 b). Similarly, a spacer axis may be dimensioned to precisely extend an axis of the body of the accessory so that this axis can be used to angle or space the received computing device closer the user's face.

The Spacer Portion as Wrist, Hand or Finger Support

A spacer portion 102 may be of sufficient area or volume to also function as a positioning aid for one or both hands or wrists. Therefore in addition to supporting the tablet away from the torso, the spacer portion may also provide,support to the fingers, hands or wrists.

In various embodiments the spacer portion may be of sufficient area or volume that at least a fingertip or knuckle (FIG. 17 b) of one or more fingers may position on it, while at least the index finger scrolls or otherwise operates the screen. It may be arranged such that at least the “small finger side” of the user's hand is not obstructed by the spacer portion whilst the user's hand is typing or gesturing on the screen of the received computing device.

A spacer portion may be arranged to allow the user to rest one or both hands behind the body of the received computing device.

In some instances the spacer portion has the effect of spacing the user's forearms such that they do not have to cramp in toward the torso (see FIGS. 1 e and 1 f). This allows the hands to position or rest more naturally at the margins of the received computing device.

In the context of the invention the meaning of “spacer portion” includes anything that helps hands, wrists, fingers or body to be more comfortable, more accurate, or more effective. It includes any portion by means of which the user's body is less subject to uncomfortable states of tension, flexion or extension. In certain embodiments the spacer portion, or the accessory as a whole, may be shaped to provide parts of the user's body with positioning, grip, flexibility, or physical support, such as bearing the weight of the user's hands and/or wrists, or providing proprioceptive orientation and feedback. It should be noted that a touch screen QWERTY keyboard that does not have electronic or mechanical “haptic enhancement” permits little or no feedback as to the positioning of the fingertips. However a slight touch of the hands on the support landmarks of the spacer portion may provide the required proprioceptive information for more accurate positioning of the fingertips. Certain embodiments of the accessory may also provide haptic enhancement, including mechanically, with vibration, or with surfaces arranged for “programmable friction”, including “tactile pixels”.

The support portion may be wide enough to support both hands and wrists of a user. It may have a conforming quality.

Various Embodiments of a Receiving Portion and a Raised Portion

A receiving portion 104 of a tablet computing device 106 may form an anti-slip barrier against which the lower edge of the tablet computing device 106 cannot easily slide. The anti-slip barrier may be shaped to hook the front of the lower edge of the tablet 106 from tipping backward over the support surface 103 of a raised portion 108.

The anti-slip barrier may be a semi-flexible flap or leave. Alternatively the raised portion 108 may be of sufficient relative height that the anti-slip barrier may not be required to hook the tablet down. In this case the barrier may simply be an edge. The edge may be formed by a high friction surface.

A raised portion 108 may be continuous with the support portion 102 described above, providing a support surface 103 and another support axis, assisting in various use cases involving comfort and support of the hands.

A raised portion 108 may include one or more ridges, and may culminate in a ridge. The received computing device 106 may lean against the support surface 103 of a raised portion 108 including at various angles. The raised portion may include a curve such that multiple tangents to the surface of this curve may provide options for angling the received computing device at various angles. This approach may have the added advantage that the tablet, if dislodged, may tend to slide forward toward the user rather than backwards toward the floor.

There may be more than one raised portion 108 (see FIG. 26 f), or the raised portion may be polygonal, providing one or more potential contact regions against which the tablet may be supported.

The shape of the raised portion may be suitable for the hands to cup around it in various ways, providing support for the hands to rest behind the received computing device, to stabilise the accessory, or otherwise gain purchase or grip on the accessory. Both hands may be able to rest on the accessory behind the screen, in a supportive pose analogous to hugging a cushion. In this manner the screen may be brought even closer to the user's face, to create an intimate “big screen” effect. Variations of shape are possible where the user hugs the accessory to one side of their body, rather than centrally.

The raised portion 108 may serve as a handle 118 for carrying the accessory, such as under the arm, the hand cupped around the raised portion.

In certain embodiments the raised portion may be the rear aspect of the receiving portion, providing a rear support of minimal dimension, raised only sufficiently from the base of the tablet to secure it in place, the receiving portion thereby functioning to secure the tablet at a selected angle. This may similarly be the case when a sliding shape 109 such as in FIG. 1 a is located down the slope near the base of the received computing device.

The receiving portion 104 may be comprised of an edge created by one or more relatively flat angled surfaces, the angle of which forms a restraint against the lower edge of the tablet, providing friction against the tablet arcing backwards over the raised portion 108 when the accessory jostles around, or forming a lip that hooks the tablet down. A receiving portion comprised in this way has several advantages. It can accommodate varying tablet thicknesses and shapes, which may rest into the angle formed according to their thickness. It can therefore accommodate different models and brands of tablet and it may accommodate tablets in both their landscape and portrait orientations.

The anti-slip barrier may alternatively be comprised of any of an angled surface, a hard edge, a snug groove, a lip, a flap, a leave, a hook, a high friction material, an array of protrusions, dimples, a shoe, a sleeve, a grip, a spigot, a clamp, a ridge, a tray, a perimeter, a mechanical catch, a magnetic catch, a gel material, a bead sack, or another malleable material. Mechanisms may be used, such as a surround mechanism, a clip mechanism, a snap in mechanism, a hinged mechanism, a clamp mechanism, a sliding mechanism, a rotating mechanism, an angling mechanism, a docking mechanism and a male/female mating mechanism. Where mechanisms are employed, they may be mechanical, magnetic, sliding, rotating, angling or fixed. The anti-slip barrier may also be comprised of a combination of these features.

As a variation to an angle-increasing component, or in addition to it, the receiving portion 104 may also be a sliding or rotating mechanism so that sliding the tablet against a straight or curved raised portion 108/109 may alter the angle of the supported tablet, either in an analogue fashion, or in a step by step fashion, or both.

Multiple Edges or Grooves, Open Ended Grooves

One or more parallel edges or grooves may be arranged on the body of the accessory such that the accessory may be fabricated in two dimensions, as with a contour cutting machine, or by extrusion. A similar design many apply to embodiments that are machined or moulded in three dimensions. In the case of moulding a plastic such as with ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), or a blend of Polycarbonate and ABS, a slight draft angle of approximately 1 degree or more may be required, but a similar end form may be achieved. To compensate for the draft angle, the grooves and other details may be over-moulded such as with a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE or TPR), the over-moulded details may compensate for the draft angle of the plastic shape or shell. A combination of manufacturing approaches could also be used, such as extrusion and over-moulding, or extrusion and silicon, rubber or TPE end caps, etc.

Parallel edges or grooves may be arranged as a series of descending or ascending “steps”, or they may be separated from each other on the body of the accessory. The number of edges or steps possible is partly a function of the size of the accessory, the thickness of the tablet and of the impact on the viewing angle as the tablet descends into or ascends out of the body of the accessory.

The edges or grooves may be left “open-ended” so as to allow the user to easily slide the tablet beyond the sides of the accessory. This may help position a tablet more precisely for activities such as drawing, or to increase the working space or support surface available to one hand or the other.

The anti-slip barrier may further secure the tablet to the body of the accessory by magnetic means. Magnetic means may also be employed elsewhere across or within the body of the accessory.

Narrow Versus Wide Embodiments

The accessory may be narrow, thin, compact or wide. It may be narrower than the tablet in its portrait orientation. Narrow embodiments may be suitable for allowing the user's fingers to wrap around the side margins of the received computing device for the purposes of operating the screen, including for “thumb-typing” on a virtual keyboard such as a “split” keyboard.

The accessory may be as wide as the tablet in its landscape orientation, or wider. In the figures narrow and wide embodiments are shown interchangeably. Similarly, certain embodiments shown are angular, and others employ curved forms.

A single accessory may effectively support different widths of tablet. Open-ended receiving portions may be used such that wider tablets may be supported on narrow embodiments.

Compact embodiments may offer greater versatility or be more portable. They may allow easier or greater changes of viewing angle, due to easier tilting or pivoting of the accessory in the lap. Such tilting may achieve an analogue subset of possible angles around each receiving position. Curved or sloped surfaces may be used at the forward or rear margins of the accessory so that different tilts may be achieved by rolling or tilting the accessory on these surfaces. An example of a curved forward margin is shown in FIG. 26 f.

Wider embodiments may be more suitable to certain activities such as drawing. Larger embodiments in general may have a larger undercut region 105, as shown in FIG. 8 b. This allows the support region 102 to protrude sufficiently forward of the received device when the accessory is resting on its base, whilst reducing the bulk of the accessory beneath this region and providing an alternate surface for partially supporting the accessory in its reverse orientation.

Whilst FIG. 8 b shows a uniformly sloped area at 105, the region may be less regular but still be affective to the same ends. This region may also be quite narrow and slightly curved, and still offer some comfort benefits.

In the case where the accessory is made from a flexible material such as foam, the undercut region 105 may have the further advantage of creating greater flexibility or “give” in this region. This may allow a small degree of tilting and rocking of the accessory, aiding in intuitive positioning of the body, where the accessory, the hands and the tablet become three parts of one flexible system.

Shaped for the Hollow of the Lap and for Flat Surfaces

The invention may be embodied in a form that is equally suited for use “on” the user's lap, “in” the user's lap or on a flat surface. The body of the accessory may be shaped to receive essential peripherals such as headphones, cables, adaptors and charger. It may be sized to contain these peripherals whilst still being stable and functional.

The accessory may function as a desk stand, a lap cushion, and an accessory pack, all in one. Depending on the relative size of the received device, the accessory may further be arranged as a carry sleeve for the device. That is, the accessory may take the form of a “mat”, a compendium, a folio, a wallet, a carry case, a drawing platform, or other similar forms.

Where materials and manufacturing process permit, the underside of the accessory may be formed precisely to various body positions, such as having a concave region to sit over a single thigh, whilst still sitting comfortably on two thighs.

Medium sized embodiments may be more easily nestled in different ways on the user's body. A particularly useful width for these embodiments is one that is wide enough to be stable on a flat surface and yet narrow enough to nestle into the “hollow” or “concavity” of a user's lap when the thighs are together. It may also allow for some clasping by the thighs when the thighs are separated. A suitable length may be one that is sufficient for stability, but short enough that the accessory is easily tilted forward or backward within the natural confines of the lap in different body positions, pivoting around an approximately central point, so that a wide range of screen angles may be achieved regardless of which receiving edge or groove is selected. Relating this length directly to the human body, a length approximately less than or equal to the distance between the solar plexus and the waistline may be found suitable. Using these dimensions as a guide, it is possible to form an embodiment that has a volumetric weight approximately less than or equal to 500 grams, a size that is easily portable. Smaller and slimmer forms are also possible, as shown in FIG. 1 l. These forms benefit from an angle-increasing component, as they may be less suitable to tilting on the body, more specific as stands for flat surfaces.

These general dimensions are also suitable for certain speciality embodiments, such as one where the accessory has an inner volume that can contain tissues, like a tissue box. A bedside tissue box may thereby double as a stand for the smartphone or tablet, and may be used in the lap or on the chest when reading. As well as their smartphone or tablet, many users may keep a box of tissues beside their bed, therefore embodying the invention as a box of tissues may reduce the footprint on the bedside table. Similarly the accessory may take the form of a bedside lamp, a clock, a drink mat with support for a smartphone, and other similar novelty or promotional embodiments.

Shaping for the Lap

For embodiments that have been machined or moulded in three dimensions, or turned on the carousel of certain contour cutting machines, at least a portion of the lower edges of the base of the accessory may be slightly chamfered or curved, or the sides may angled in toward the base so that the accessory sits slightly into the concavity of the lap and feels comfortable and stable there. For narrow embodiments such as FIGS. 1 b and 1 i, less shaping may be required as these embodiments are already minimally sized for portability. They may yet nestle in the hollow of the lap. They may be used on a desk or clasped by the knees. Side grips for the knees or thighs may be used as an alternative to shaped edges. Optionally, these grips may be over-moulded onto the sides, or the sides may otherwise have frictional properties added.

The base of the accessory may narrow slightly toward the front of the accessory, being relatively wider at the back. Shaping the base in this way helps the user to nestle the accessory more stably in the lap when oriented in the “front” position, where the knees of the user tend to open to the sides creating a wedge shape to the concavity of the lap. It may also help the user to grasp the accessory more effectively between the thighs when the accessory is oriented towards the “back”. This shaping may also be suitable for some users when they are sitting partly or wholly cross-legged.

There may be a subtle concavity near the centre of the base such that the accessory can be rested on one thigh or on a round belly, the shape of the upper region of the thigh or the round belly partly filling this concavity, aiding the outer margins of the accessory to form contact with the body, for stability.

Foam or other soft embodiments that have been contour cut may be sufficiently conformable not to require the additional forming or shaping described above.

Smaller Stand or Dock Embodiments

There may be small dock embodiments of the accessory that utilize the profile shape to provide a useful stand or dock for use on the desktop or other flat surface, or for use on one thigh or on the chest when reading. Such a stand or dock may also support items such as pens or a stylus, and may be particularly useful for supporting small tablets such as smartphones.

As with larger or compact embodiments, smaller embodiments may also include functional modules 122, electronic or otherwise. For example they may house additional memory, they may form an external hard drive for another computer or they may form a wired hub, or a wireless hub, such as to aid in “cloud sync”. A small embodiment may also include a projector module. There may be mechanical items such as a mechanical clock or pencil sharpener.

A small embodiment may be used as a dock for charging the battery of the received computing device, or to position the device side by side with another screen, for example for use in conjunction with a desktop computer or laptop, when synchronizing or relaying content, or as a means of compartmentalising separate functions, for example video chat versus general work, or calendaring versus word processing.

Cardboard Embodiments, Disposable Embodiments

The invention may be embodied from a folding pattern, such as an appropriately patterned sheet of cardboard, plastic or other suitable material.

Such embodiments may be disposable. For example an Airline may wish to provide low cost stands for use in conjunction with tablets and smartphones in flight, complete with instructional or promotional materials, such as an ironic bookmark.

Such embodiments may form part of the packaging of a tablet or other computing device, or may be packed with the device.

Multiple Instances Such as a Front and a Back

The accessory may have more than one instance of a spacer portion (102 b), and more than one instance of a receiving portion (104 b) and the raised portion 108 may have more than one support surface (103 b). The additional instance(s) may be on another face of the accessory, such that the accessory has a “Front” and a “Back”, or “Side(s)” or “faces”.

The user may orient the accessory in different ways, including front to back or back to front (so that either the front or the back edge may be against their torso). Regardless of how the accessory is oriented by the user, there may still be a support region that holds the tablet slightly away from the user's torso, or away from a surface, maintaining a space in which the user's hands can either move or rest.

When the user nestles the accessory into their lap, they may angle the undercut region 105 of the accessory up onto their belly for certain use cases.

A steep “rear” angle may be provided suitable for video chat, when the tablet may be required to be further away from the user's face, with the accessory resting on a surface. This or another angle may also be suitable for angling the tablet above or in relation to an external keyboard, or for when the accessory is resting on a relatively high surface such as on a kitchen bench or on top of a fridge, or for when the user is sitting on the floor and the accessory is on a small table (see FIG. 16 a).

Proximity to the Face

When the accessory is tilted, such as resting on an undercut 105 and leaning against the trunk of the user, the back angle may be suitable for positioning a tablet closer to the face for activities such as browsing, watching, reading, playing, examining, selecting, dragging or listening. One or both hands may then be released from the burden of positioning the tablet, and so may gesture more freely, or rest.

The position closer to the face may be analogous to the position for reading a conventional book. Ergonomic consequences of the invention may even make it possible for users to touch-type with the tablet closer to the their face.

Increased proximity to the face may also be achieved where the support portion is shaped and sized to elevate the receiving portion above a flat surface.

Being able to orient the accessory such that the received computing device is closer to or further away from the face may be helpful to short or long sighted users.

Support Portion Behind the Received Computing Device

The support surfaces 103, 103 b of the raised portion 108 may be shaped such that the user's hands have something to naturally cup their fingers around when holding the accessory, such as when thumbs need to be close to the touch screen controls, when hands need to rest behind the received computing device, when stabilizing the accessory on the body, or when carrying the accessory. The spacer portions 102, 102 b, and the support surfaces 103, 103 b may have conforming properties for comfort.

In certain embodiments, the hands may cup around the raised portion 108 while the thumbs remain near the touch screen. This is a particularly comfortable way of operating touch screens with the thumbs, as the hands may open or cup ergonomically around a suitably sized volume rather than having to strain to continually hold the weight of a thin tablet with a pincer action. It may also enable easy positioning and stabilising of the accessory and tablet whilst leaving at least the thumbs, or at least one hand, free to operate the touch screen.

With narrower embodiments the fingers may still reach to the region at 103, 103 b, or, where receiving portions have an open-ended design, it may be possible to slide the tablet along the receiving portion such that one or both hands may more effectively use the support at 103, 103 b and in certain embodiments the supports at 102, 102 b.

Proprioceptive Feedback from a Support Portion

A support portion may help to orient the user through the faint touch of hands or fingers on the support portion. The proprioceptive sense so obtained may be helpful in orienting fingers on a touchscreen QWERTY keyboard that has no differentiated texture or feedback of its own.

Additional Support for Fingers and Knuckles

A spacer portion formed for hand support may be arranged so that the one or more fingers or knuckles may perch on the support portion, while the index finger scrolls or otherwise operates the screen (FIG. 17 b). This is something akin to the way a musician may perch one or more fingers on the body of a stringed instrument to steady the hand while other fingers pluck the strings.

Additional Comfort for Forearms, Wrists and Hands

A spacer portion 102, 102 b may be configured to provide comfort to the wrists during typing or gesturing. In such embodiments the support portion may be relatively higher than the lower edge of the receiving portion 104 and may have a comfort layer that better conforms to the user's hands and wrists. By means of this relative positioning the non-touch-sensitive perimeter of the tablet 114 may sit slightly lower than the support plane of the wrists such that this perimeter ceases to require undue extension of the wrist angle when positioning fingers or stylus and other touch objects on the screen.

A soft conforming nature of the comfort region may further aid in establishing the most optimal wrist angle, increasing accuracy on the touch screen (or physical) QWERTY keyboard and of drawing and everyday touch control. The weight of hands or wrists resting on a supportive spacer portion 102 may effectively hold the accessory in position or at a preferred angle.

A supportive spacer region 102 may have a radius such that as the user tilts or positions the accessory their wrists or hands may rest at different tangents to the radius and their fingers may still able to accommodate the touch screen of the supported device. More complex combinations and types of curve may also be employed, in two or three dimensions.

A sloping or curved surface at the front of the accessory may make it possible for the angle between a wrist support surface and the screen to be more obtuse than the angle between the screen and the horizontal, accommodating both wrist comfort and viewing angle.

Some users may prefer to glide their hands above the region at 102 for bursts of rapid typing, or for the region to be narrow and unobtrusive. The accessory may hold the screen at an angle suitable for this type of typing should the user desire this approach, wherein the support portion maintains the space to move, particularly for the “ball” of the hands or thumbs. The user may then rest their hands in this space between bursts of activity.

When gliding or hovering their hands the user may also gain proprioceptive feedback as to the position of their hands as they brush faintly against familiar touch points. This subtle proprioceptive feedback is absent on commonly available current touch screens without physical keyboards or electronic haptic enhancement. In embodiments where 102 provides weight bearing support for hands or wrists, user's may find they can intuitively rock the screen angle forward a little due to the undercut shape at 105.

In the case of narrow embodiments, the spacer portion 102 may simply maintain a space sufficient for the hands to rest on their thighs in a less cramped manner, or the centre of the support region 102 may itself be wide enough to support one or both hands at rest, so that they are close and ready for gesturing when required. It may provide support for a finger or a thumb. Support may also be found at the edges of this region.

Where the embodiment is made from contour cut foam or another soft material, the edges may be slightly conforming and therefore may compress neatly into the concavity at the proximal area of the palm, or elsewhere on the palm. When embodied in a moulded form, from a firmer material, or machined in three dimensions, these edges may have a suitable degree of curvature.

The body of the accessory as a whole may function as a supportive surface for forearms, wrists, hands or fingers, as user's find their own natural way of nestling the accessory into their body and positioning one or more hands in proximity to the screen.

Friction Layers

Various parts of the accessory may have intended frictional properties, including friction layers applied at the surface. For example the base of the accessory may incorporate a high friction surface that aids positioning of the accessory on a surface or on the body, including on the user's clothes. The receiving portions and raised portions may also utilize high frictional properties for receiving and stabilizing the computing device. Different faces of the accessory may utilize high frictional properties to prevent the tablet from sliding off the face at certain angles.

A specific frictional coupling may be devised so that the accessory couples suitably with a received computing device, or with the cover, screen protector or other component of a received computing device.

Inversion of the Accessory

FIG. 6 a illustrates how in certain embodiments the accessory may be inverted such that the base 101 offers an alternate way of locating the received computing device and angling it towards the face of the user. This orientation is particularly useful when seated in a higher chair such that the legs slope down toward the knees, and the accessory may become unstable in the other orientations. It is also suitable for the desktop, low tables, or the floor.

Frictional properties of the base may be employed (101 b) to hold the tablet in position. This may include frictional coupling with the device or with a cover for the device.

In the case of Apple's “Smart Cover®” or similar products, an iPad® or other computing device may be oriented so that the cover is fasted to the computing device at its lower (supported) margin, and the cover flipped behind the tablet such that the microfiber or other surface of the cover may offer sufficient friction to couple with the surface of the accessory and to resist the tablet sliding. The finish of the base 101 of the accessory may take this into account.

The orientation illustrated in FIG. 6 a is also suitable to high speed typing where a user may wish to glide their hands above the surface of both screen and accessory, just brushing it lightly for proprioceptive feedback. Note that a spacing axis 102, 102 c may still be present, the width may be set by the user according to how they position the tablet.

In addition to or as an alternative to frictional coupling, magnetic coupling may also be employed.

Polygonal Forms Offering Multiple Faces or Surfaces

Similar to the “inversion” feature, there may be multiple “faces” to the accessory such that changing the orientation of the accessory offers alternate ways of positioning the tablet. These “faces” may be quite irregular in form while nonetheless providing a stable support surface, as with the inversion example of 6 a, where the raised portion 108 and the front margin of the accessory together form a stable “base” or feet for the accessory when inverted.

Wedge Shaped Embodiments

In some embodiments, a cross section through the accessory will reveal a more or less “wedge” or triangular shape. This cross sectional shape may be approximately an isosceles triangle, or an irregular triangle. Regardless of the precise shape of the triangle, there may be seen in the cross section an additional shape extending approximately from one of the corners of the base of the triangle, so extending the base of the accessory into a receiving portion or a spacer portion or a hand support portion. The accessory may then pivot around an approximately central point along this extended base to enable angling of the tablet closer to or further away from the face of a user.

Attachment Means, Pockets and Storage

There may be pockets or attachment means at the surface of the accessory designed to hold pens, styluses or other stationary or peripherals such as memory cards. These pockets may sit exterior to the internal core structure, or may also penetrate into other cavities and entrances 120 in the interior volume of the accessory.

There may be attachment means to attach the accessory to something else, such as an item of luggage or a shoulder sling.

There may be an entrance 121 for one or more fingers or for the thumb, such that the entrance or cavity provides comfort grip or access to at least a finger or a thumb of the user.

A sleeve 116 may be formed within the body of the accessory such that it doubles as a protective compartment for the received computing device. Entrance to the sleeve may be from the front, the back or the sides of the accessory.

There may be a secondary sleeve for documents. The sleeves may be arranged to include at least one opening, to allow a user to connect peripheral devices, such as headphones. A “tray” may slide into the sleeve beside the computing device, This tray may be used as a means for reducing the width of the sleeve for smaller size tablets. It may be used for carrying a mobile smart phone.

There may be storage regions for personal valuables, memory cards, items of stationary, reading glasses, headphones, ear buds, cables, adaptors, docking mechanisms, interface devices, remote controllers, smartphone, credit cards, lipstick, makeup, documents, software, accessories, peripheral devices, dongles or any other small items.

Various openings into the body of the accessory and into the sleeves 116 and cavities 120 may be formed, these openings may be left open or they may be close-able by a variety of means, including caps, lids, drawers, zippers, Velcro™, buttons, magnets and other. Such openings may be used for cable access, such as for headphones.

Lying Back Reading and Support for Dual Devices

There is a particular use case relevant to those users who enjoy reading whilst lying on their backs. These users may wish for the tablet to lean forward towards their faces, beyond 90 degrees. To make this possible, side grooves or forward supports that do not obstruct the view of the screen may be employed, or a transparent forward support that may cover part of the screen.

FIGS. 6 b to 7 b illustrates how the accessory may be able to receive both a larger tablet and a smartphone, in this case the smartphone location illustrates how the smartphone may lean past 90 degrees toward the face of the user. This is a particularly versatile embodiment in which the accessory reduces the footprint of a tablet on a desk, and also may effectively reduce the footprint of a smartphone by receiving it on the same accessory.

Similarly, an accessory may be arranged to receive more than two computing devices. Such an embodiment may also include an electronic docking connector for one or more of the received computing devices, and may function as a dock, a base station, a sound system, a projector or other.

Hooking Mechanism to Support Tablet Beyond 90 Degrees

As an alternative to forward supports or side grooves, or in addition to them, there may be a hooking or strapping mechanism to stop the tablet falling forward beyond 90 degrees.

In the case of the Apple iPad®, the hooking mechanism of the accessory may be arranged to connect to the iPad's SmartCover®. For example, by orienting the tablet such that the Smart Cover hangs behind the tablet from the top margin of the tablet, the SmartCover® may be hooked or clasped so that as the tablet leans forward it is eventually restrained by the magnetic connection of the cover to the tablet, and the connection of the cover to the accessory.

Other products may similarly be integrated into the accessory for this or similar purposes. The accessory may also employ its own magnetic means.

Side Grooves

Side grooves may support the side margins of a tablet or other received computing device, particularly in the case where the display is required to lean beyond 90 degrees. Certain case and other embodiments may also employ side grooves (see FIG. 21 b), or a surround that that surrounds all or a portion of the margin of the received device.

Mechanism for Additional Support

The raised portion 108 may be a folding leg or other mechanism, or there may be a folding leg or other mechanism incorporated on or within the raised portion 108 (see FIG. 24 a).

Moveable or Removable Components

The raised portion 108 may support a tablet so that it leans against the raised portion at a predetermined angle. To increase this angle, various attachable or removable components may be employed, including for example a pen which slides into an attachment point on the raised portion 108 such that the tablet device leans against the ridge formed by the attached pen, so increasing its leaning angle.

Similarly, a folding tablet cover folded behind the tablet may increase this angle slightly to give the user further options for angle adjustment. An example of a folding cover is the SmartCover® for the iPad® by Apple.

A wedge or other shaped object may be used to modify the viewing angle, such that positioning of the wedge shaped object alters the angle at which the tablet leans. In FIG. 24 b the accessory is embodied in a wedge configuration where there is a further wedge shaped angle increasing component 109 which can be folded under the tablet, or flipped out of the way to the opposite face. By locating the angle-increasing component further down or further up the slope of either face, an analogue range of angles becomes possible for each position on each face. In this example, two faces plus one angle increasing component gives rise to four angles with a degree of analogue adjustment to each position.

Other mechanisms might also be employed which give a continuous range of alternate angles.

FIG. 24 a illustrates a folio or sleeve form of the accessory with a folding mechanism by which to increase the angle. When the mechanism is not employed, the accessory is a complete solution for typing and general use. However when a steeper angle is required, for example for viewing a movie, the mechanism, in this example a fold up leg on a fabric hinge, may be employed. In this example the leg also doubles as a way of exposing and concealing or opening and closing storage cavities within the volume of the accessory. Alternatively the leg may run the entire width of the accessory and storage may lie within the leg itself.

Aesthetic Device

FIGS. 22 a to 23 b illustrate how both simple and complex embodiments of the accessory may be covered in textiles or otherwise presented as a piece of home or designer decor.

Connecting the Accessory to Other Objects

The accessory may form part of another carry bag, carry case, road case, sling or other piece of luggage. For example it may be a smaller pack inside a field case for videography, photography, entertainment or scientific activities in the field, or it may be an integral part of a luggage suite. It may be connected by various means, including sliding snugly into place in a large container or bag, or by Velcro™, zipper, buttons, clips, belts or other means.

Carrying Handles

A handle or strap 118 may be attached such that the accessory also serves as a carry bag. Similarly, the shape of the accessory may be formed to provide a region that the hand may naturally grasp when carrying the accessory beside the body in the manner of carrying a folio case. The raised portion 108 may be used for this purpose.

Two Sections

The upper surface of the accessory may be removable via clips, sliding grooves, zippers, velcro or similar, such that the upper margin when removed is still an instance of the accessory, where the lower margin may form an optional ergonomic height extender and or one or more sleeves or storage compartments.

Closed and Open Condition

Certain embodiments of the accessory may include a fold-open, spring-loaded or pneumatic mechanism by which the height of the accessory may be expanded, allowing the accessory to be moved between an open usable configuration to a closed, more streamlined carrying configuration, including for placement in a bag, wallet, suitcase, or other. The accessory may be made of two or more shell structures which “telescope” into each other. The width of the accessory and of a supportive spacer portion may also telescope in this way.

Modules and Electronics

There may be functional modules 122 contained anywhere within the volume of the body of the accessory including any of: a supply device arranged to supply electrical power, a battery or spare battery, photovoltaic cells, flash memory, other memory, a sound system, a speaker (126), external cable connectivity (124), an electronic interface (124), a wireless router, cloud sync apparatus, a modem, a WiFi module, a radio frequency module, a Bluetooth module, other network or telecommunications equipment, a dock, a hub, a card reader, a credit card reader, a projector, a dongle, an adaptor, a keyboard, haptic enhancement including vibration and programmable friction, a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, additional computing power, an integrated circuit, electronic components, mechanical components, a clock, a light, a household telephone, a mobile (cell) telephone, a TV controller, a games controller, a QWERTY keyboard, a non-qwerty keyboard, a household switching controller (lights, air conditioning, etc.), a cooling vent (123), or a subset or relative of each of the preceding. There may be any manner of external cable connectivity. Any of the contained modules may be integral to a system that includes a received display device and a computer. The received device may be the computer, or the computer may be contained in or housed by the accessory.

Particularly useful embodiments include one where the accessory is a hub and card reader, one where the accessory is a sound system, one where the accessory serves as a projector, and one where the accessory serves as an external hard drive (including solid state drives), for the received computing device or for another computer.

Advantages of the accessory as a projector unit include that the operator has a support region and multiple angle choices from which to control the content being projected, including support for drawing, typing, gaming and teleconferencing. All the unique benefits of the accessory may be brought to the projector use case, including in casual body positions.

Materials

The accessory may be made from a wide range of materials. Compact embodiment, and those containing electronics, may be moulded from various common plastics or more exotic engineering plastics. Plastic embodiments may be of a shell structure. They may have over-moulded surfaces to protect the tablet computer, smart phone or other received device at its points of contact with the accessory. The plastic may be ABS or PC/ABS, and the over moulded parts may be TPE or TPR. Silicon or other rubber end caps, feet or plugs may be used.

Of particular benefit to embodiments designed for light-weight may be open or closed cell foam that has been moulded, contour cut, or machined in three dimensions. In such cases the surface finish may be raw, covered in textile, covered in a non-woven material such as felt, or flocked, such as with Nylon flocking. Suitable foams may include polyurethane, Polyethylene (PE), (poly)ethylene co-vinyl acetate (EVA), polystyrene, nylon, hard or foamed rubber, synthetic rubber, or composites, or combinations or molecular relatives of the above. Exotic foams may be used and unusual materials may be uniquely foamed specifically for the purpose. The accessory may have foam and textile components such that it becomes a comfortable cushion or unique piece of decor.

Alternatively, the accessory may be made from any other suitable material including felt, gels, aluminium, alloy, timber, cork, leather, cardboard, silicon, neoprene, santoprene, carbon fibre, fibreglass, resin, acrylic or other materials, plastic or otherwise. The accessory may be made from novelty natural materials such as exotic timbers, balsa wood, stones, seashells, natural fibres or resin.

The accessory may be made from a structured or unstructured cover, filled with natural or synthetic wadding, or filled with beads such as micro-beads.

The accessory may be wholly or partially inflatable, collapsible or expandable.

The computing device receiving portion, the support portion or the overall shape may be malleable or adaptable.

The accessory may be made from a composite of any of these or other materials.

Manufacturing

Embodiments may be moulded in their entirety, or they may be manufactured by cutting to length extruded, moulded or contour cut profiles. The degree of curvature in the embodiments depends partially on the choice of manufacturing process and whether the accessory has been formed in two or three dimensions.

For moulded plastic embodiments with substantially parallel edges or grooves, a slight draft angle of approximately 1 degree or more may be required, but a similar end form may be achieved. To compensate for the draft angle, the grooves and other details may be over-moulded such as with a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE or TPR), the over-moulded details may compensate for the draft angle of the plastic shape or shell. A combination of manufacturing approaches may also be used, such as extrusion and over-moulding, or extrusion and silicon or TPE end caps, etc.

Regardless of how the main shape of the accessory is formed, a secondary material may be attached, such as a woven textile or non-woven cover, or a branding strip, such as a strip of felt with a colour accent. Secondary materials may be attached into grooves, holes, or by lamination with heat or glue.

The surface of the accessory may be coated, such as with paint. It may be coated with glue for flocking, and then flocked, or it may be dipped into or sprayed with a sealant, such as a surface or colour process used for coating foam. Coatings may have an aesthetic aroma.

The accessory may include a rigid layer of material for the purpose of increasing the rigidity of other materials used. The rigid layer may take the form of a plate (or plates) sandwiched into the structure, or external or internal shells and sleeves, or one or more rods, or similar strengthening approaches.

Forms the Embodiments May Take

Embodiments of the invention may be angular in nature, curvilinear or both. They may be integral to many forms. These forms may be large or small, soft or hard, extendible, collapsible, telescoping, malleable, inflatable, or compressible. These forms may include lap supports, utility cushions, reading aids, desk supports, tissue boxes, folding cardboard stands, desk utilities, sleeves, mats, compendiums, folio cases, wallets, shoulder bags, slings, items of clothing, bag inserts, luggage inserts, accessory inserts, bag attachments, luggage attachments, accessory attachments, workstations, or other. These or other various forms may also serve as a mechanical or electronic dock for a computing device.

Carry Cases and Bags

FIG. 9 shows perspective views of a carry case embodiment. Such an embodiment may also have a “back” receiving portion. FIG. 21 b illustrates an alternative form of case, which may employ lower side grooves.

The accessory may be formed as a bag, such as small in-flight bag where the interior volume may include a sleeve 116 for the tablet. The bag may be securable around the waist, like a camera bag or a daypack.

Pillow and Cushion Embodiments

The accessory may be embodied as a pillow, an In-flight pillow, a neck pillow, a sofa cushion or other pillow or cushion.

A Shell, a Sleeve or an Insert

Referring to FIGS. 18 a to 21 a, the accessory may be embodied as a soft or hard shell, sleeve or tray type accessory. This type of accessory may be separate to the device or integral to the device, or an integral portion of the device. Angling may be achieved through side grooves, grooves in the lower surface, or through a foldable leg or mechanism or other mechanism.

Dimpled Mat

FIG. 25 a illustrates how a mat or other body with a surface of protrusions or dimples may be employed to give the user choice over edge positions, angles, and proportion of wrist support area.

Flat Packed

Embodiments made of cardboard, or sheet materials in general, may come flat packed and be arranged to be foldable by a user. Other forms of the accessory may also come flat packed, for assembly by a user.

Folding Legs

FIG. 25 b illustrates a portable folding legs embodiment. The accessory when closed may form a protective sleeve indicated by the surface at 116, which when the accessory is open offers the support of region 102. A stop or other catch mechanism may be employed to hold the legs in a predetermined position.

This embodiment may be accessory to, or integral to, various devices.

Slimline Embodiment

FIG. 19 illustrates a slimline embodiment that may be complete in itself, or may be used as an insert into a larger piece of luggage such as an in flight bag, or may be the core structure of a wallet or other form of case or sleeve. In a variation, a support region may be formed by unzipping, un-clipping, ‘un-velcroing’, or otherwise opening a wallet covering, such that the open flap of the wallet lays flat to form the conforming comfort region. The embodiment may also be zipped to a companion sleeve designed to contain papers, or to another piece of luggage such as an in-flight bag.

Sleeve or Folio Form with Folding Mechanism

FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment of the accessory that includes a folding mechanism by which to increase the viewing angle of the display of the device. In this example a fold up leg on a fabric hinge is used.

When the mechanism is in the closed condition, the accessory is suitable for typing. When a steeper angle is required, for example in viewing a movie, the mechanism may be used. In this example the leg also doubles as a way of exposing and concealing or opening and closing storage cavities within the volume of the accessory. Alternatively the leg may run the entire width of the accessory and storage may lie within the leg itself. Other mechanisms might also be employed which give a continuous range of alternate angles.

Wallet

FIG. 21 a illustrates an embodiment for a smartphone such as an iPhone® or Android® device, but equally for tablets in general. In this embodiment a wallet is designed to be coupled with or a companion to the tablet. At the user's initiation, it may transform from a compact configuration to an angled configuration. The Smartphone may snugly rest into the wallet via grooves or a snug perimeter (with or without magnetic fastening), or it may be contained in a sleeve in the wallet. The angled configuration sets the Smartphone at a more convenient viewing and gesturing angle, such that it need not always be held. The angled configuration may be achieved by releasing an internal mechanism. Alternatively, the elasticity of the materials used may naturally produce the angled condition, which gets compressed and latched or otherwise closed into the compact configuration. A further alternative is the use of a leg or semi-rigid mechanism that folds or clicks into place.

The shape of the accessory provides a supportive bulk by which one hand of the user may cup around the accessory, whether being held or resting on a surface, while the other hand, may gesture or type on the touch screen. There may also be a forward support region, this may be part of the general shape, or it may be a flap or shape that folds, rotates or slides open.

As with other embodiments, the interior volume of the accessory may contain any manner of other functional module, such as additional battery power, a solar panel, additional memory, a projector such as a “Pico” projector, and so forth. Similarly, there may also be a “back” to this embodiment, offering at least one alternate viewing angle.

Variations of Form

Further sample variations of form consistent with embodiments of the invention may be seen in FIGS. 26 a to 28 e.

Large Volume Embodiments

As well as being narrow, compact or wide, embodiments of the accessory be of a large volume, either to support larger computing devices, to contain larger interior modules, or to bring the tablet to a more comfortable usage configuration in certain environments, such as in cultures for whom the floor is a comfort zone. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 28 a to 28 e, the accessory functions as its own mini table, elevating the tablet to a comfortable height for someone seated on the floor, offering a support region for typing and other uses of the hands. As with other embodiments, there may also be an alternate position on an alternate face of the accessory.

Alterations and Modifications to the Embodiments

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. 

1.-86. (canceled)
 87. An accessory for a computing device, comprising: a body including a support portion and a computing device receiving portion; wherein the receiving portion is shaped to maintain a received computing device at an angle relative to an axis of the body of the accessory.
 88. The accessory of claim 87, wherein the support portion is arranged to support the received computing device.
 89. The accessory of claim 87, wherein the support portion is arranged to support the accessory against a portion of a user's body.
 90. The accessory of claim 87, wherein either one of the support portion or the receiving portion further includes a protuberance.
 91. The accessory of claim 90, wherein the protuberance is moveable relative to the receiving portion.
 92. The accessory of claim 87, wherein the computing device receiving portion includes an edge formed in the body of the accessory.
 93. The accessory of claim 87, further including a base portion, wherein the receiving portion is arranged to maintain the received computing device at a predetermined angle relative to the base.
 94. The accessory of claim 92, wherein the edge is a groove in the body of the accessory.
 95. The accessory of claim 87, wherein the accessory and the received computing device, when located in the receiving portion, may be held as one unit utilising only one hand.
 96. The accessory of claim 87, wherein the accessory includes at least two receiving portions, each receiving portion providing the user with at least one usage configuration, wherein each usage configuration locates the computing device at a different relative distance from the user's face.
 97. The accessory of claim 87, wherein the support portion is arranged to support the wrists and hands of a user.
 98. The accessory of claim 87, wherein the base includes a suitable surface for locating a computing device such that the computing device is angled toward the face of the user.
 99. The accessory of claim 87, further comprising a ridge formed at a location on the body of the accessory, wherein the ridge is located in a manner that provides additional support for a computing device when the computing device is located in the support portion.
 100. The accessory of claim 87, further including a storage portion disposed in the body of the accessory.
 101. The accessory of claim 87, wherein a cavity within the body of the accessory provides comfort, grip or access to at least a finger or a thumb of the user.
 102. The accessory of claim 87, wherein the accessory has a portion arranged to engage at least a portion of a perimeter of the received computing device such that the display of the received computing device can be angled.
 103. The accessory of claim 87, wherein the accessory has grooves arranged to receive the sides of the tablet computing device.
 104. The accessory of claim 87, further comprising a mechanism arranged to provide additional support for a computing device when the computing device is located in the support portion.
 105. The accessory of claim 87, further comprising a moveable component arranged to vary the angle of the computing device relative to the body of the accessory.
 106. A method of manufacturing an accessory in accordance with claim 87, comprising the steps of moulding a first portion of the accessory from a plastics material, and over moulding an elastomeric second portion over at least a section of the first portion. 